VIVACIOUS TOY DOGS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16712, 30 January 1926, Page 13 (Supplement)

VIVACIOUS TOY DOGS.

THE POMERANIAN, Among the smaller breeds of dog officially classed as "toys" temperament varies as markedly as shape, coat and colour. The most vivacious, and also one of the most beautiful, is the Pomeranian, whose smart, compact build, and pleasing coat appeal forcibly to the feminine love of the arlislic. His movements are graceful and light as thistledown dancing in the wind. Yapping a Question of Manners. That some yap overpoweringly when excited merely means that they have not been taught manners, for which the mistress must be blamed. In the interests of other people the propensity should be checked. His Ancestors. Pomeranians were not always the tiny creatures that are now usually seen, nor were the colours as diverse. An authorative text book, describing the smaller Pomeranian or Spitz in 1879, spoke of him as being a favourite with ladies, and said that in his native country he was the ordinary sheepdog and was there preferred of a black colour. Most of the earlier specimens imported from Northern Germany 50 or CO years ago were whites, weighing from 181 b to 2-ilb. To-day there arc more between 3Alb and 61b and there are few whites. As the size was reduced to the proportions suitable for little pets, breeders began to exercise their ingenuity in the way of producing new colours, some of which arc charming. Favourite Colours of the Moment. The favourites of the moment arc orange and orange sable. Although an orange should he as deep as possible, the majority have light shadings. Tho

term sable needs explanation —shaded, wolf, or orange sable no matter which. Each hair should have at least three distinct colours.

A Pomeranian should be short in back and fine in bone, with legs of medium length, head foxy, skull slightly Hat and large in proportion to the muzzle; ears small and erect; tail profusely feathered and carried flat over trie back; Huffy undercoat, the outer being long, straight, and of harsh texture". On the face the hair is short and smooth.

Hardy Little Creatures. The little dogs are hardy, and for sleeping accommodation ask for nothing more, than a single blanket in a box or basket,. The, r.nat should be brushed daily against the way or the hair.